Questions about rear shocks, and drops

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

"Novice" tearing down a 71 Chevy SWB, 2WD, 402/400, rear leaf springs.

Appears the top rear shock mounting stud is welded onto the front hole of the bracket. Learn something new everyday

Unless I'm missing something, I'm pondering whether or not to cut these off before paint. That's because I'm leaning toward leaf springs with a 4" drop (2.5 in front).

If I recall, and am seeking confirmation or other, you can't use that spot in the bracket (i.e., existing stud), because it's too far forward for a 4" drop?

Also, if I recall, with that drop, you use the rear hole of the bracket instead, but you have to drill it out for the stud? That doesn't sound right, but.....

Any suggestions appreciated.............Also, just curious, you figure these are the original shocks? They're just yellow Monroe. 140K on the truck, but I've had the truck since 89, with 96K



Pictures are mostly meaningless:

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Thread spring, I mean shocks.

[Steeveedee]

I got nothing on the lowering information, but those are not the original shocks. Original are Delco, and gray.

[AussieinNC]

There are rear shock relocator kits available from various vendors...see...
http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cb/full.aspx?Page=64

A 4" rear drop may also need shorter shocks....see...

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cb/full.aspx?Page=65

Also...front shocks should also have top bolt reinforcing kits added...see...
http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cb/full.aspx?Page=61

I dont work for LMC...I just find their catalogs easier to use and digitally search thru...

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by AussieinNC

There are rear shock relocator kits available from various vendors...see...
http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cb/full.aspx?Page=64

A 4" rear drop may also need shorter shocks....see...

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cb/full.aspx?Page=65

Also...front shocks should also have top bolt reinforcing kits added...see...
http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cb/full.aspx?Page=61

I dont work for LMC...I just find their catalogs easier to use and digitally search thru...

Thank you.

I just got off the phone with what seemed like a knowledgeable ECE rep. He says 4/2.5 drops on rear leaf spring truck is simple. As I understand it, everything essentially bolts up as original, and all that's needed are shorter shocks, which they have. He says I'll be using the rear studs as is. Good thing I didn't cut them off

He says a real coil drop is a different story, because the original mount locations won't work as is.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

I got nothing on the lowering information, but those are not the original shocks. Original are Delco, and gray.

Nice to know, thank you. RV guy must have ran through a set. On a side, I found the original owner, sort of. The web led me right to he and his wife's tomb stones. Nothing is sacred with internet. Pardon the pun, sort of

For years I suspected the truck was traded in for the correct application (i.e., LWB). He had a fifth wheel, front boat hitch, camp mirrors, saddle tanks, step bumper with hitch, and CB on this short bed. But as it turns out, he got rid of the truck because he was elderly.